Edinburgh Royal Mile Private Photography and History Tour

The perfect first introduction to Edinburgh's Royal Mile with a local!
Edinburgh is one of the most photogenic cities in the world & the perfect city to explore with your iPhone or Smartphone camera.
Privately visit & photograph all the highlights of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, improve your iPhone & smartphone photography, and learn lots of tips & tricks from David, your professional guide.

In this private walking tour, David, a local of 50 years, will quickly show you all the highlights of Edinburgh's spectacular Royal Mile, from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. There'll be lots of iPhone photography tips along the way, and you'll learn lots about the history of each of the places we visit. It's the ideal way to discover The Royal Mile and uncover all its iconic attractions & secret gems.

You'll privately see all The Royal Mile's hidden gems and capture wonderful photos along the way.

While aimed at iPhone photographers, all camera types are welcome.

Meeting Point

The Scotch Whisky Experience

354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, UK

The meeting point is at the entrance to The Scotch Whisky Experience at Castle Hill on The Royal Mile EH1 2NE. I will be wearing a BLUE CAP and have a GREY RUCKSACK.

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

We'll photograph the dramatic exterior of Edinburgh Castle and the amazing views of the City of Edinburgh from the Castle Esplanade (We will not be visiting the interior of the Castle**). David will explain all about the history of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and help you to take wonderful photos of the Castle and the surrounding city, with lots of helpful, professional tips along the way.
** (note: we will NOT be visiting the interior of Edinburgh Castle, which is not included in this tour. Admission to Edinburgh Castle can be arranged & included by prior arrangement with David. Please get in touch).

5 minutes

Witches well

Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND

We visit the Witches' Well Memorial on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade where over 300 witches were burned at the stake. David will explain the history behind the Witches' Well and help you take wonderful photos, with lots of helpful, professional tips.

5 minutes

Ramsay Garden

Ramsay Garden, 14 Ramsay Garden, Edinburgh EH1 2NA, UK

We visit the impressive Scots Baronial style apartments, 'Ramsay Garden', built in 1893 by the ecologist & father of town planning, Sir Patrick Geddes. David will explain the romantic history of the building of Ramsay Garden and it's owner, Sir Patrick Geddes and help you to take wonderful photos, with lots of helpful, professional tips.

5 minutes

The Witchery by the Castle

352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, UK

We visit the beautiful & atmospheric 16th century Boswell's Court, which is now home to The Witchery Restaurant & Hotel, one of the most admired restaurants in the world. David will explain the history of this beautiful medieval building, and help you to take wonderful photos of its courtyard, with lots of helpful and useful tips.

5 minutes

Victoria Street

Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1, UK

We visit one of the prettiest streets in Edinburgh - 'Victoria Street', built between 1829 & 1834, and named after Queen Victoria. Thought to be the inspiration for J.K. Rowling's 'Diagon Alley' in her amazing Harry Potter books. We'll spend time admiring the architecture and taking beautiful pictures of this beautiful, world famous street.

10 minutes

Riddle's Court

Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Patrick Geddes Centre, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG

One of Edinburgh's hidden gems, Riddle's Court is a superb 16th century, A listed, Courtyard House built in 1590 for Baillie John McMorran, who came to a grisly end at the hands of a rebelling schoolboy. We'll discover why there's an outside staircase, the beautiful landscaped gardens which existed all the way down to the Grassmarket, and some of it's famous residents. We'll also uncover a small, secret garden often missed by visitors. A true hidden gem so often missed by visitors.

5 minutes

The Writers' Museum

Lawnmarket, Lady Stair's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA, UK

We photograph beautiful Lady Stair's House in 'Makers Court' which celebrates the Scottish writers, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson, all the way back to the 14th Century. David will explain the history of the building and help you to take wonderful photos, with lots of helpful, professional tips.

5 minutes

St Giles' Cathedral

High Street, Historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE

We visit the beautiful interior of St Giles' Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh, founded in 1124 by King David I. One of Edinburgh's most historic and iconic buildings, we'll visit the interior to take stunning photos of its beautiful vaulted ceiling, the magnificent church organ and its stunningly beautiful stained glass windows, with lots of photography tips along the way

10 minutes

Heart of Midlothian Mosaic

197 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UK

We briefly visit a special, historic mosaic - the 'Heart of Midlothian', located just outside St Giles' Cathedral which marks the entrance to the much hated Old Tollbooth demolished in 1817. David will explain the significance of its location and symbolism - and the reason why locals do something very strange when they see it - a tradition going back hundreds of years which might surprise you!

5 minutes

Advocate's Close

1 Advocates Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1PQ

We photograph the historic & atmospheric 'Advocates Close', which is believed to date all the way back to 1544 and named after Lord Advocate, James Stewart, a local of the close. The view down the close to the New Town and the Scott Monument makes for one of the best pictures in Edinburgh and David will help you compose a professional shot to be proud of.

5 minutes

Mercat Cross

Mercat Cross, Edinburgh

We visit the Victorian Mercat Cross where the dissolution of Parliaments and the death of monarchs is still traditionally announced. Traditionally a place of public punishment and execution, David will explain the history of the 'Beheading Machine' which now sits in the National Museum of Scotland.

5 minutes

Edinburgh City Chambers

45-329 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PN

We visit the impressive Edinburgh City Chambers to photography the magnificent 'Alexander & Bucephalus' statue and J.K. Rowling's handprints, made in honour of her Edinburgh Award. A highlight for any Harry Potter fans!

5 minutes

Tron Kirk

122 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS

We admire and photograph the magnificent 'Tron Kirk', which has stood in the heart of Edinburgh for nearly 400 years, and was a popular place to meet and celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh. David will explain the history of the building and its secret underground street, recently excavated, and help you to take wonderful photos, with lots of helpful, professional tips.

5 minutes

Cockburn Street

Cockburn Street, Edinburgh

We photograph one of Edinburgh's most attractive streets built in 1856 and named after the Scottish lawyer & judge Henry, Lord Cockburn. A location for the films 'Hallam Foe' and 'Avengers: Infinity War' and one of Edinburgh's most picturesque & characterful streets. David will point out some of the most interesting shots and pass on lots of useful tips to ensure you get the best shots of this lovely street.

5 minutes

Trunk's Close

Trunk's Cl, Edinburgh EH1, UK

Rarely visited, but a true Edinburgh gem, this is an atmospheric historic Close, with a wonderful secret garden dedicated to Sir Patrick Geddes. The Royal Mile has more secret gardens than many people realise, and this is one of the most surprising and best! We'll take a few moments to take in and admire this beautiful garden, and David will give you some photography tips to help you capture the spirit and character of this beautiful urban garden.

10 minutes

John Knox House Museum

43-45 High Street, , Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

Dating back to 1470, John Knox House and the adjoining Moubray House are just a handful of beautiful medieval buildings still standing in the Royal Mile. Originally home to James Mosman, goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots and now an excellent museum. David will explain the history of the building and its association with the Minister of St Giles' Cathedral and Protestant Reformer, John Knox, and help you take architectural shots of this striking medieval building, with lots of helpful, professional tips.

5 minutes

Tweeddale Court

Tweeddale Court 14 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TE

One of the Royal Mile's most attractive closes and a popular Outlander filming location. Named after the Marquess of Tweeddale, 1670, who was an advisor to King Charles II. Contains Edinburgh's only existing 'Sedan Chair House' which is now Edinburgh's smallest listed building. David will explain about the history of the close and the 'sedan-chair' taxi service that once existed in the city, and also help you take professional shots of this beautiful courtyard.

5 minutes

Chessel's Court

Chessel's Ct, Edinburgh EH8, UK

A wonderful collection of pretty mansion houses built by Wright & Merchant Chessel in 1748. Believed to be the place where William Brodie, the famous character of Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Jekyll & Hyde' novel, was caught. David will show you the lovely gardens around the mansion houses, including some ivy which has been shaped into a beautiful heart-shape.

5 minutes

Cannongate Tolbooth

Edinburgh

A stunning building built in 1591 as the Canongate's main municipal building, originally housing a jail, courthouse and council meeting rooms. Now the 'People's Story Museum'. David will explain the history of the building and why it's the perfect place to learn how the people of Edinburgh lived in the 18th & 19th centuries. David will show you how to take telephoto shots of the magnificent clock-tower.

5 minutes

Huntly House

148 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD, UK

An historic 16th century mansion house, one of the most iconic on Edinburgh's Royal Mile and used, alongside next-door Bakehouse Close, in the Outlander Television Series by Diana Gabaldon. Now 'The Museum of Edinburgh', David will show you the atmospheric, historic courtyard outside the museum and help you to take professional architectural shot of this stunning building.

5 minutes

Bakehouse Close

Edinburgh

Made famous as the place where Claire and Jamie were reunited in Alexander Malcom's Print Shop, Bakehouse Close is one of The Royal Mile's best preserved closes. It also belies a rather more seedier side to Edinburgh in the 1700's as a brothel in the 'Cock & Trumpet' pub. David will explain the history of the close and the infamous 'book of ladies' which was published to help gentlemen find a partner! We'll take beautiful shots of the close and find out a little bit more about its excellent choice as an Outlander filming location.

5 minutes

Canongate Kirk

153 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN

A beautiful church and Kirkyard where the Royal Family attend church while at Holyrood. We will discover the grave of Scottish Poet 'Robert Fergusson' and Robert Burns 'Clarinda' - Agnes Maclehose. We'll stroll around the Kirkyard taking in its beautiful atmosphere and David will explain about the Kirk's interesting history.

10 minutes

Dunbars Close Garden

137 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BW

A wonderful, hidden garden dating back to the 17th Century, inspired by eminent town planner & biologist, Sir Patrick Geddes. A little escape from the hustle & bustle of the Royal Mile. We'll spend time taking in the lovely atmosphere and David will show you some powerful techniques for taking pictures of plants & flowers.

10 minutes

White Horse Close

White Horse Close, 27 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BU, UK

One of Edinburgh's loveliest closes & courtyards, which is often missed by visitors. David will show you around this beautiful courtyard, explaining its history and showing you how to capture its wonderful architecture and character, with lots of profession tips along the way. A true hidden gem not to be missed.

5 minutes

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX

At the foot of the Royal Mile, this is the Monarch's official Scottish residence, where His Majesty the King spends a week every summer, and holds a popular 'Garden Party' for the people of Scotland. Mary, Queen of Scots endured some of her most difficult times here, including witnessing the brutal murder of her Private Secretary, David Rizzio, who's buried in the Canongate Kirk. David will explain the events of the 'Craigmillar Plot' which led to the murder of her errant husband, Lord Darnley and Mary's undetermined involvement. We'll take photographs from the outside of the building only**. If guests would like to visit the interior of Holyrood Palace, this can be arranged after the end of the tour.
** (note: we will NOT be visiting the interior of The Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is not included in this tour. Admission to The Palace of Holyroodhouse can be arranged & included by prior arrangement with David. Please get in touch).

5 minutes

Physic Garden Edinburgh

Abbey Strand, Edinburgh EH8 8DU, UK

A beautiful physic garden, behind Abbey Strand, with three areas of garden representing Holyrood Palace's 900 year history. Recently created, we'll capture amazing shots of this unique garden, and David will give you lots of professional tips & guidance on getting amazing photos of plants & flowers in this wonderful royal, physic garden.

5 minutes

Queen Mary's Bath House

Abbeyhill, Edinburgh

Often missed by visitors, Queen Mary's Bath House is a beautiful, historic garden pavilion dating back to the 16th century. We'll photograph the exterior and learn about the mysterious dagger which was found in the roof during renovations. A beautiful little spot which is not to be missed!

5 minutes

What's included:

• My Guide to Spending a Day in Edinburgh and my recommendations for Cafe's, Restaurants & Pubs
• My iPhone Photography Guide, explaining how to use your iPhone camera to take better iPhone photos.

Not included:

• We do NOT enter EDINBURGH CASTLE. We visit the EXTERIOR only.
• We do NOT enter THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE. We visit the EXTERIOR only.